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Thepledge Big Story: 2027: Can Merger Deal Be Reached Between Atiku, Obi And Kwankwaso?

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By Augustine Akhilomen

With just two years and two months left to the commencement of the 2027 presidential election, it does appear that the opposition party’s quest for a merger party meant to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu seems far from realization, due to some party leaders inability to reach an agreement on the way forward.

Most recently, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, had dismissed merger talks with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) or any other political party in the country.

He had said: “There are no merger talks with any party at this moment. We must focus on unity and collective action to bring about the change Nigerians desire.”

“There are a lot of lies and propaganda. There is a lot of trying to bamboozle the people, which has to stop. Let us build this country. None of us would be here forever. Those who did it yesterday are no longer here. But if you look at the country, it is collapsing every day.”

The above is coming at a time when opposition parties have expressed frustration with the state of affairs under the watch of President Tinubu.

However, January 2025 is about the time that APC was formed in 2013, and there are mutterings that a similar coalition in the offing could result in a strong party to confront Tinubu in 2027, despite Peter Obi’s dismissing such a move.

Then, in 2013, political parties, including the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the PDP, among others, merged to oust Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP from the seat of power.

While Tinubu is constitutionally eligible to stand for re-election for his final term in 2027, opposition elements are said to be negotiating a fresh political platform to unseat him. Indeed, Series of meetings are being held across the country to form an alliance and by extension, a coalition before the next general elections.

But the question agitating the minds of political observers is if they, among others, could midwife a formidable platform to face the APC, not to talk of the capacity to wrest power from Tinubu in 2027. There are those of the belief that leaders of the opposition parties are too ambitious to sacrifice for the collective good of all.

Speaking on a possible merger among opposition political parties in 2027 against the ruling APC, former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande said mergers would not birth solutions to the country’s problems.

“All of these political mergers are not going to solve the problems of Nigeria. In 2014, there was a merger that led to the APC. There were a lot of expectations in this country. APC carried the national wave. Nine years later, where are we?

“We are nowhere different from where we were then because the core issues have been left unaddressed. So all of these mergers, even if they (proponents) succeed, what is going to happen is that they will just change the characters of people in the Government House.

“We need to understand that there are fundamental problems that have to be sorted out, and we cannot leave it to politicians,” he added.

Similarly, Peter Obi and Atiku contested on a joint presidential ticket in 2019 on the PDP platform but lost to former president Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Ahead of the 2023 election, Obi defected to the Labour Party and contested for the presidency, garnering 6.1 million votes with minimal resources and no help from the political establishment.

Atiku bagged 6.8 million votes, while Kwankwaso got just over a million votes. Tinubu, who was the eventual winner, polled 8.4 million votes.

Some public affairs commentators and even Tinubu’s campaign agreed that had the opposition been united against the APC, Tinubu would not have won the 2023 election, particularly because the economy was mismanaged by the Buhari administration.

With the divisions and internal wrangling in PDP and the Labour Party due to prolonged legal battles, which is unlikely to be resolved before election season, adopting a new party for a fresh start seems a viable option for Atiku and Obi, who have become outsiders in their respective parties.

However, the challenge will also be how to bring on board the 12 PDP governors, some of whom are nursing presidential ambitions or are loyal to Nysome Wike.

“Can Atiku bring in governors and lawmakers into this planned new political party? You cannot win without having such lieutenants,” says Jide Ojo, a political scientist based in Abuja.

Reacting to the development, the immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi to team up to defeat the APC in 2027.

“Building strong political parties in the country capable of responding to the challenges facing citizens and reversing the phenomenon of ‘state capture’ at all levels is about political leaders agreeing to form a united front across all parties. Forming a united front is about recognizing the shortcomings of individual leaders and being able to forgive misgivings of the past.

“The ability to forgive misgivings of the past is a fundamental requirement for political leaders to be able to orient themselves and provide the needed leadership for national reconciliation. The inability of the APC, both under former President Buhari and now under President Asiwaju Tinubu, to orient itself on the path of national reconciliation represents one of the biggest political failures ever experienced in the country.”

Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Benue South, Mathias Adache, pointed out that the highly anticipated change of government could only be achieved through a formidable alliance between the three major opposition parties.

According to him, “There is no way the PDP or Labour Party can defeat Tinubu in 2027 if they don’t come together. They tried this thing individually in 2023, but it didn’t work for us, so what magic do they want to do in 2027?

“There is power in unity; until we unite against our common enemies, we may never get out of this mess. Greediness is the problem with some of our politicians. Instead of having the interest of the nation at heart, they are being sponsored by their selfish interests.

“Someone like His Excellency Atiku Abubakar should not be talking about contesting for the presidency in this country again if he has the interest of the nation at heart. I expected him to organize the opposition parties and be their leader.

“The truth is that APC knows that the moment these opposition figures can reach an agreement, their tenure will be over.

“They know this because it was the same strategy that brought them into power in 2015. Without the alliance of other parties, only ACN, as it was then, could not have removed former president Jonathan.

“Their greatest nightmare is if PDP, LP, and NNPP come together. But they will spend billions to make sure it never happens.”

Meanwhile, political observers think that if a true merger project must come to fruition, then the three political gladiators must shelve their ambition of contesting for the presidential election. This appears to be the major challenge that the trio of Atiku, Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi are facing at the moment and they must try and find a way around it if they are to dethrone Tinubu from power in 2027.

The trio must be ready to support a fresh candidate that can appeal to or win the heart of Nigerians, who are hoping for a change in the country. They must be willing to construct a winning strategy by coming up with a message that will endear them to the majority of Nigerians.

More so, they must make an effort to curtail the infiltration of the new merger party by outsiders to achieve the aim of the party.

Even so, a clear and direct determination on the part of the leaders to sacrifice the immediate for the bigger picture must be exhibited as well.

Interestingly, the acting National Chairman of the PDP Umar Damagum, said last week that the PDP remains the strongest opposition party in the country, adding that any merger without the PDP would not unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

His words: “People are entitled to their opinions, but I want to remind him (Kwankwaso) of the past. When they left the PDP in 2015, if the party didn’t die back then, during a time they thought they had weakened it, I don’t see why anyone would claim it is dead now.

“Let’s not forget that the PDP remains the only party capable of winning elections if you exclude the ruling APC.

“That said, there is no party better than the PDP for Kwankwaso. The party nurtured his political career and brought him to where he is today. We still hope he will return to work with us to rebuild our party and confront this oppressive government.”

This merger poses a significant challenge to Tinubu’s ambitions, particularly with his stronghold in the Southwest. While Tinubu has long been a political force to reckon with, the united front of Atiku, Obi and other opposition leaders will threaten and disrupt the calculations of the ruling party and the political dynamics in the country. Only time will tell if the opposition leaders would be pragmatic enough to sacrifice their ambition for the betterment of the country and democracy.

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NSCDC Uncovers Underground Tunnels, Suspected Drug Den In Delta

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a network of underground tunnels, heavily secured doors and suspected escape routes in an unfinished building in Camp 74, near Government House in Asaba, Delta State.

The discovery followed intelligence reports about suspected drug-related activities at the property, which operatives of the NSCDC patrol team stormed during an operation.

According to the corps, gaining access to the building proved difficult because of multiple layers of iron doors securing the premises. Operatives reportedly spent three days trying to breach the structure before eventually gaining entry through the roof.

Inside, they discovered underground passages with distinct entry and exit points, which investigators suspect may have served as escape routes for people using the facility.

The discovery has raised concerns about the possible use of the property for drug trafficking and other criminal activities, including kidnapping and alleged organ harvesting. However, the actual purpose of the tunnels and whether they were used for such activities remain subjects of investigation.

Items recovered from the building and displayed at the NSCDC Delta State Command headquarters include suspected cannabis, PVC guns, syringes and other materials believed to be linked to possible criminal activities.

Speaking on the discovery, the Delta State NSCDC Commandant, Chinedu Igbo, said other relevant security agencies would be contacted to support the investigation.

He disclosed that one person was in custody and was being profiled as a possible informant, adding that no arrests had been made in connection with the suspected criminal activities.

The corps said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership of the property, determine the purpose of the underground tunnels and identify other persons who may be linked to the facility.

The discovery has raised security concerns among residents around the Camp 74 area, particularly over the possibility that the underground passages may have been used for activities beyond those initially reported to security operatives.

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2027: If You Don’t Deliver Your State For Tinubu, Don’t Claim Victory, Wike Tells APC Governors

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned governors and other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council against claiming victory in the 2027 presidential election if they fail to deliver their respective states to President Bola Tinubu.

Wike spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he was appointed coordinator for the FCT and Rivers State.

He said the priority of every council member should be to ensure Tinubu’s re-election, regardless of their position within the campaign structure.

“I want to say, if you don’t deliver your states and the president wins, don’t say we’ve won. It’s not a question of whether I am chairman, secretary or member of this. What is important is for the president to win,” Wike said.

“I told the Chief of Staff to the President, if the president doesn’t win in Lagos, don’t say we’ve won,” he added.

The FCT minister pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu in Rivers State and Abuja, saying, “By the grace of God, Rivers and FCT will vote massively for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Wike also praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for attending the event, saying their presence reflected the support Tinubu was receiving ahead of the election.

He further defended the administration’s record, arguing that previous governments had identified the country’s problems but failed to provide solutions.

Wike also argued that democracy required an opposition capable of identifying issues that needed attention, rather than criticising the government simply because it was in power.

Speaking on his political position within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike declared that he remained the party’s leader.

“As an opposition party member, as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, there are no two leaders of the PDP. I am the leader,” he said.

He also challenged area council officials in the FCT to dispute the impact of Tinubu’s administration on the territory.

“I challenge any area council that can say they don’t feel the impact of Mr President in Abuja,” he said.

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Tinubu campaign: Accord leaders urge Adeleke to clarify loyalty

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Two leaders of the Accord in Lagos State have urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to clarify his political allegiance following reports of his appointment as coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign in Osun.

The leaders, Oke Sewedo, a party leader in Lagos West Senatorial District, and Oladeji Oluwatosin, the Lagos State Accord chairman, made the call in an open letter addressed to Adeleke and the party’s national leadership.

The letter, made available to the media, was jointly signed by the two leaders under the platform of Concerned Leaders of Accord, Lagos State.

They expressed concern that Adeleke’s reported role in Tinubu’s campaign could undermine the electoral prospects of Accord candidates in Osun and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeleke won the Osun governorship election on the platform of Accord, a victory the signatories described as a significant milestone for the party and its members.

They said the outcome had strengthened their belief that the party could provide a credible platform for political development, good governance and national transformation.

However, they argued that the governor’s reported involvement in coordinating Tinubu’s presidential campaign had raised questions about his loyalty to Accord and the protection of its electoral interests.

“Your Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, contested and won the Osun State governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

“That victory was not merely a personal achievement; it was also a significant moment for our party and its members, who believed that Accord could provide a fertile and credible platform for grooming great political minds and careers, good governance, exemplary leadership and political change, that will birth the new Nigeria of our national dream.

“However, the recent announcement naming Your Excellency as the Osun State coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign has understandably raised serious questions among party faithful,” they said.

The leaders questioned how a governor elected on Accord’s platform could coordinate the presidential campaign of a candidate from another party while Accord prepared its candidates for the same elections.

They warned that the development could weaken the party’s chances, particularly in Osun, where its candidates would be seeking seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and other legislative offices.

They also said conflicting political signals could create uncertainty among voters and weaken the confidence of members who had invested their resources, time and influence in building the party.

“The concern is straightforward: how can a sitting governor elected under Accord simultaneously coordinate the presidential campaign of a candidate belonging to another political party, while Accord itself is preparing its candidates and supporters for the same general election?

“This portends grave danger to the electoral aspiration and prospect of Accord candidates in Osun State and Nigeria at large,” they said.

The signatories further argued that Adeleke’s reported role could erode the advantage Accord candidates might enjoy from the governor’s electoral support.

The leaders stressed that their concerns were not motivated by personal animosity, political envy or disrespect for the governor’s office.

Rather, they said, the issue concerned the responsibility of elected officials to the political platforms through which they secured their mandates.

They added that Adeleke’s political commitments could affect party members, candidates, campaign structures and the party’s credibility before voters.

“These concerns are not accusations of wrongdoing. They are legitimate political questions that deserve a clear response from both the governor and the party leadership,” the letter stated.

The Lagos Accord leaders urged Adeleke to clarify his political position and demonstrate his commitment to the party if he remained a member.

They also asked him to reconsider his reported involvement in coordinating the presidential campaign of another party if he remained committed to Accord.

“If you remain committed to Accord, we urge you to reconsider your participation in coordinating the presidential campaign of another party and to demonstrate, through your public engagements and political commitments, that you remain supportive of Accord’s electoral interests.

“If your political allegiance has genuinely shifted elsewhere, we respectfully urge you to make your position clear and take the appropriate steps in accordance with the party’s constitution and applicable law, rather than leave members and candidates in a state of uncertainty,” they said.

The leaders also called on Accord’s national leadership to address the matter urgently, transparently and in accordance with due process and members’ rights.

They urged the leadership to issue a statement explaining the implications of Adeleke’s reported appointment to the presidential campaign structure of another party and to engage the governor formally to obtain an unequivocal clarification of his political allegiance.

They further asked the party to explain the relevant provisions of its constitution and the lawful procedures available if a member’s political activities appeared inconsistent with the party’s interests.

The leaders also called for measures to protect Accord candidates at all levels, particularly those contesting legislative seats in Osun, and to reassure members nationwide that their contributions to the party would not be taken for granted.

They said their concerns extended beyond Adeleke and Osun, arguing that the party needed to preserve its credibility as an alternative political platform.

They warned that uncertainty among senior figures could discourage grassroots members, weaken campaigns and undermine public confidence in Accord.

They added that Accord’s presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, and other recognised candidates needed a coherent political structure in which party leaders, members and campaign organisations could work towards the 2027 elections.

The leaders reiterated that their appeal was not intended to create political hostility or disrupt governance in Osun, but to protect the party’s unity, integrity and electoral future.

“We are not asking for political hostility. We are asking for clarity.

“We are not seeking personal confrontation. We are seeking accountability to the political platform under which you were elected.

“And we are not calling for the disruption of governance in Osun State. We are calling for the protection of the integrity, unity and electoral future of the Accord,” they said.

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